PURPOSE: After delivery, eating brown seaweed soup is a typical Korean tranditional habit. But, excessive intake of iodine transiently inhibits biosynthesis and secretion of thyroid hormones if a certain threshold of iodine is reached in the serum. The aim of our study was to demonstrate whether the observed the elevations of TSH level in the breast fed neonatal infants was caused by mother's eating brown seaweed soup or not. METHODS: We performed neonatal TSH test by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay(FRELISA Screenig TSH) and cheked TSH level for 178 newborns with a appropriate gestational age. We divided the study subject into 3 groups, the group used breast feeding, mother had taken brown seaweed soup and blood sampled at 6th day after birth was categorized Group A, formular feeding, blood sampled at the 4th days after birth was categorized Group B, breast feeding and had taken brown seaweed soup and blood sampled at the 19th day after birth was categorized Group C. RESULTS: 1) The mean TSH level was 1.5+/-1.3 uU/ml in Group A, 3.3+/-2.5uU/ml in Group B, 1.7+/-l.3uU/ml in Group C(Group A vs Group B: p<0.05, Group A vs Group C: p<0.05). 2) There was no statistical significances between the TSH levels and the amount of brown seaweed soup which mother had one day, the duration which mother had brown seaweed soup and duration of breast feeding. CONCLUSIONS: Mother had taken brown seaweed soup about 3 times a day in korea at present days, There was no significant changes of TSH levels in the beast fed newborn infants after the korean mother had taken brown seaweed soup.
Breast Feeding* ; Breast* ; Eating* ; Gestational Age ; Humans ; Infant ; Infant, Newborn* ; Iodine ; Korea ; Mothers ; Parturition ; Seaweed* ; Thyroid Hormones

A Case of double pylorus, in 56 year old man, was diagnosed by fiberoptic gastroscopy and upper gastrointestinal series. Two ovoid large openings of pyloric canal divided by smooth thickened septum were observed endoscopically And the relevant literatures on tihe subject were reviewed.
Gastroscopy ; Humans ; Middle Aged ; Pylorus*

The purpose of this study was to describe growth changes of soft tissue profile in koreans with normal occlusion and to get differences between male and female. The biennial serial cephalometric radiographs of 26 samples (15 males, 11 females) with normal occlusion from 8.5 years to 18.5 years of age were used in this study. The following results were obtained : 1. Both sexes had lower facial parts more protruded at 18.5 years of age than 8.5 years of age : in total facial convexity angle, male showed a decrease(P<0.01) and female showed no significant difference(P>0.05). 2. In the growth changes of soft tissue thickness, male outgrew female in the areas of nose and upper and lower lips, and female outgrew male in the pogonion area 3. In the growth changes of upper facial height and upper part of lower facial height, male's was higher than female's growth (P<0.05). 4. The ratio of the upper facial height over the lower facial height showed a decrease at 18.5 years of age than 8.5 years of age(P<0.01). The ratio of upper vs lower part of lower facial height and that of upper lip height vs lower lip height showed no significant difference(P>0.05). 5. Male showed a sustained change into older age compared with female in soft tissue profiles
Female ; Humans ; Lip ; Longitudinal Studies* ; Male ; Nose

BACKGROUND: Adiponectin is an adipokine that regulates lipid and glucose metabolism and has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and anti-atherogenic effects. It also plays an important role in the development of cardiovascular disease (CVD). METHODS: This study evaluated the association between adiponectin 45T/G polymorphism and cardiovascular complication in type 2 diabetes in Koreans. RESULTS: The present study included 758 patients with type 2 diabetes. The distribution of the adiponectin 45T/G polymorphism was 3.56% (n = 27) for GG, 42.35% (n = 321) for TG, and 54.09% (n = 410) for TT in patients with type 2 diabetes. The prevalence of CVD was significantly higher in subjects with the GG + TG genotype compared to those with the TT genotype (17.5% vs. 9.8%, P = 0.002). The G allele was associated with a higher risk of CVD (P = 0.002). CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that the adiponectin 45T/G polymorphism is associated with diabetic cardiovascular complication in type 2 diabetes.
Adipokines ; Adiponectin* ; Alleles ; Cardiovascular Diseases ; Genotype ; Glucose ; Humans ; Metabolism ; Prevalence

PURPOSE: To compare T2-weighted MR cholangiography (T2-MRC) and contrast-enhanced T1-weighted MRC (enhanced T1-MRC) in the assessment of biliary anatomy in donor candidates for living related liver transplantation (LRLT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-three potential donors underwent MR examination for preoperative evaluation. Using the single-shot half-Fourier RARE sequence, T2-weighted single-section and coronal images were obtained, and enhanced T1-MRC was performed, using 3D GRE sequences after the administration of mangafodifir trisodium. To assess the hilar ductal branching pattern and determine diagnostic confidence, two reviewers first evaluated the unpaired T2-MRC and enhanced T1-MRC images, and then paired T2-MRC and enhanced T1-MRC images together. In particular, in 12 cases in which direct cholangiographys were performed, the feasibility of single duct-to-duct anastomosis was assessed using the unpaired and the paired sets sequentially. RESULTS: The reviewers' confidence tended to be higher for enhanced T1-MRC than T2-MRC, but the difference was not statistically significant. For both reviewers, confidence was significantly higher for the paired set than for T2- or enhanced T1-MRC alone (p < .001). The types of biliary anatomy determined in the paired set matched the consensus reading in 33 (100%) and 30 cases(91%) assessed by reviewer 1 and 2, respectively. The separate interpretation of T2- and enhanced T1-MRC findings matched the consensus interpretation in 30 (91%) and 28 cases (85%), respectively, assessed by reviewer 1, and 26 (79%) and 28 cases (85%), respectively, assessed by reviewer 2. The possibility of single anastomosis was accurately predicted in 91.6% of cases in T2-MRC, and 100% at enhanced T1-MRC and the combined set. CONCLUSION: In the evaluation of the biliary anatomy of potential donors for LRLT, the combined use of T2-MRC and enhanced T1-MRC may improve diagnostic confidence and decrease the occurrence of a non diagnostic or equivocal interpretation at T2-MRC alone.
Adult* ; Cholangiography* ; Consensus ; Humans ; Liver Transplantation ; Liver* ; Tissue Donors*

PURPOSE: The modified subureteral transurethral injection(STING) has been reported to increase the success of endoscopic treatment of high grade vesicoureteral reflux(VUR). This study was performed to assess the efficacy of the modified STING procedure compared to conventional STING in the setting of high grade VUR. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 40 consecutive children(46 ureters) with a median age of 5.32 years (range 1 to 10 years) who underwent endoscopic treatment of grade IV to grade V VUR between February 2004 and December 2006. The modified STING was performed by applying a direct pressure stream of irrigation fluid into the ureter in order to define the injection site within the ureteral submucosa. The needle was then placed in the ureteral tunnel, and a dextranomer/hyaluronic acid copolymer(Dx/HA) was injected into the submucosal intraureteral space, tracking along the entire length of the detrusor tunnel. Modified STING was performed in 27 ureters(grade IV: 13, grade V: 14), and conventional STING was performed in 19 ureters (grade IV: 12, grade V: 7). Follow-up voiding cystourethrography(VCUG) was performed 3 months later. RESULTS: Complete resolution occurred in 82%(22/27 ureters) of the patients undergoing modified STING, including 92%(12/13) of grade IV patients and 71%(10/14) of grade V patients. Three ureters required a second injection to correct VUR. Conventional STING had a success rate of 63%(12/19), [75%(9/12) in grade IV and 43%(3/7) in grade V]. The mean injected volume for the modified STING was 1.23+/-0.3ml, while that for the conventional STING was 0.95+/-0.2ml(p=0.03). Conclusions: The modified STING was markedly more successful in the treatment of high grade VUR and carried no significant adverse effects.
Child ; Male ; Female ; Humans ; Bites and Sting

Renal lymphangiomatosis is a rare developmental malformation of the perirenal lymphatic system, and this can result in the development of cystic masses in the peri-pelvic or peri-renal areas. This is difficult to differentiate from other cystic renal disease on imaging studies. We present here a case of metachronous bilateral renal lymphangiomatosis that was falsely diagnosed as a simple renal cyst. A 47 year-old man was referred for a large amount of drainage after right renal cyst marsupialization. The abdominal computed tomography(CT) findings and fluid analysis were compatible with a lymphangiomatosis. After 6 month, he presented with flank pain on his left side and CT showed intracystic hemorrhage on the left renal lymphangiomatosis. Percutaneus drainage and conservative management were done.
Male ; Humans ; Cysts

Renal lymphangiomatosis is a rare developmental malformation of the perirenal lymphatic system, and this can result in the development of cystic masses in the peri-pelvic or peri-renal areas. This is difficult to differentiate from other cystic renal disease on imaging studies. We present here a case of metachronous bilateral renal lymphangiomatosis that was falsely diagnosed as a simple renal cyst. A 47 year-old man was referred for a large amount of drainage after right renal cyst marsupialization. The abdominal computed tomography(CT) findings and fluid analysis were compatible with a lymphangiomatosis. After 6 month, he presented with flank pain on his left side and CT showed intracystic hemorrhage on the left renal lymphangiomatosis. Percutaneus drainage and conservative management were done.
Male ; Humans ; Cysts

BACKGROUND: Hyponatremia in the elderly, one of the most common disorders seen in the emergency room (ER), has been shown to have a poor prognosis if treated improperly. However, it often is a challenge to detect because of its varying symptoms. This study aimed to improve the diagnosis and management of severe hyponatremia in the ER by analyzing clinical characteristics and patterns according to patient age. METHODS: Of the patients who visited the ER at Asan Medical Center in Seoul from May 1 to October 2006, 151 patients whose blood sodium concentration was 120 mEq/L or lower were examined in terms of gender, age, history, major symptoms, history of diuretic uses, and blood tests. RESULTS: The study group included 91 males and 60 females. Of these, 81 (53.6%) were middle-aged and 70 (46.4%) were elderly. For underlying diseases, 58 (38.4%) had liver disease and 79 (52.3%) had cancer. In the elderly group, more patients (21, 30%) visited the ER with neurological disturbances than with gastrointestinal symptoms (13, 18.6%); and more elderly patients (14, 20%) presented with serious hyponatremia (blood sodium concentration 110 or lower) than middle-aged patients (6, 7.4%). CONCLUSION: In the elderly, many patients visiting the ER did not have any underlying disease but were suffering from more severe hyponatremia. The major symptoms observed included neurological disturbances such as impaired consciousness and generalized weakness. The elderly can easily develop serious hyponatremia with accompanying neurologic disturbances. The emergency physician, having a high level of suspicion, should make a quick diagnosis and manage these patients appropriately.
Aged ; Consciousness ; Emergencies ; Female ; Hematologic Tests ; Humans ; Hyponatremia ; Liver Diseases ; Male ; Prognosis ; Sodium ; Stress, Psychological

This report describes a case of a serpentine fusiform aneurysm of the internal carotid artery in a patient who presented with visual disturbances. The serpentine aneurysm was treated successfully by coil trapping and occlusion of the parent artery, accompanied by balloon dilation. Nine months post-operatively, the patient's visual acuity had improved considerably.
Aneurysm* ; Arteries ; Carotid Artery, Internal ; Humans ; Parents ; Visual Acuity